The first ever graduation ceremony of the newly launched SoE Preschool was held outdoors on Thursday, August 27th, under a tent on the Lodi Campus of Felician University. The inclusive SoE Preschool is designed for children ages 3-5 years, and currently serves in a cooperative agreement with the South Bergen Jointure Commission, to provide learning opportunities for all children while promoting a least restrictive learning environment.

Dr. Stephanie McGowan, Dean of Felician University’s School of Education referred to the SoE preschool as the heart of the Child Care Center saying, “I am so honored to be a part of this very special place. The preschool serves as an exemplar of outstanding childcare and education through compassion and a real joy for learning. Every child is valued. In our preschool, we celebrate what makes each child unique, grow together as a community, and serve as a daily example of our Felician Franciscan values.”

McGowan thanked Executive Director Frank Quatrone for ensuring that each of the graduates had beautiful graduation gowns and his incredible dedication to the center, but most importantly, the families we serve. She also praised Gina Michalski, the Lead Teacher, for working with the students every day on zoom, even when everyone had to stay home due to COVID-19. She never lost sight of the importance of keeping our children engaged, providing new and exciting ways to learn, and reminding them that they are loved and a part of our Felician family. Ensuring that every child was excited and prepared to participate, Michalski helped each graduate learn songs for their ceremony. “Our vision for the laboratory preschool was to ensure that the children we serve are always the priority. That we provide a safe, engaging, inclusive learning space where learning grows and is celebrated!”

The Felician University School of Education re-established the laboratory preschool in 2019, committed to providing and sustaining an environment focused on best practices in early childhood and special education. An extension of the School of Education, the preschool serves as both a learning environment for our young children and our Felician candidates preparing to serve as early childhood/special educators and other school professionals such as behaviorists at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The Felician School of Education and South Bergen Jointure Commission cooperative partnership allows preservice candidates attending Felician University to learn among professionals with outstanding experience. This seamless offering of teaching practices designed to promote earning for ALL children and abilities, professional development in both teaching and behavior and real world experience right on our Felician campus, allows Felician University and the School of Education to put our beliefs into practice and to continue the long tradition of the Felician Sisters who ensured their love, compassion and care for all serve our community and beyond.

Congratulations to our Felician Preschool graduates! Here is to wishing this is the first of many graduations they will experience in their educational journey. Each looked so amazing in their Felician colored graduation gowns. Just like each parent and family that watched on with pride, Dean McGowan couldn’t remove the smile from her face. “We can’t wait to welcome our 2020 Preschool graduates back as future Felician University Falcons one day in the future!”
For more information about the Felician University School of Education Preschool or opportunities to enter the teaching or behavior profession, please contact Dr. Stephanie McGowan, Dean of the School of Education, at McGowanS@Felician.edu, or visit our website at www.Felician.edu.

# # #

About Felician University

Felician University engages over 2,300 undergraduate, graduate, and adult students through programs in Arts & Sciences, Business, Nursing, and Education. Universal Franciscan values of social justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity serve as an inclusive foundation for transforming the lives of tomorrow’s leaders. Felician University’s education is ranked 3rd best return on investment for private colleges in New Jersey 2018 by the PayScale.com College ROI Report and is ranked #1 safest college campus in the state by niche.com.